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She Changed History

She Changed History

By: Cara Gardner Simon Hurley and Vicky Payne
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About this listen

Join us on "She Changed History," as we celebrate the unsung heroines who dared to challenge the status quo.

This is the history you wish you had learnt in school.

Every Tuesday, Vicky, Cara and Simon dive deep into the annals of history, unearthing the stories of incredible women who have been forgotten.

From daring pirates to prolific inventors, we're uncovering the truth behind their remarkable journeys.

Tune in every Tuesday, starting 19th November 2024

2026 Cara Gardner, Simon Hurley and Vicky Payne
World
Episodes
  • 51. Dame Caroline Haslett: British plugs are the best!
    Feb 17 2026

    This conversation explores the life and contributions of Dame Caroline Haslett, a pioneering figure in electrical engineering and women's rights. The discussion covers her early life, her role in establishing the Women's Engineering Society, and her significant impact on electrical safety standards, particularly the British three-pin plug. The hosts reflect on her legacy and the importance of women in STEM fields, emphasizing her determination and innovative spirit.

    Chapters

    00:00 Reno Life and Decision-Making

    01:21 The Importance of Aesthetics in Home Decor

    03:05 Celebrating Domestic Engineering

    05:59 The Life of Dame Caroline Hazlitt

    08:47 Women in Engineering and the Suffragette Movement

    11:44 Building the Women's Engineering Society

    13:25 The Impact of Caroline Hazlitt's Work

    16:32 The Rise of Electricity and Its Impact

    18:38 Empowering Women Through the Electrical Revolution

    21:50 Caroline Haslett: A Pioneer in Electrical Safety

    28:37 Post-War Innovations in Electrical Installations

    37:57 The Legacy of Caroline Haslett and Her Contributions

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    46 mins
  • 50. Nadia Murad: From Captivity to Advocacy
    Feb 3 2026

    This conversation delves into the powerful story of Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman who survived the atrocities of ISIS and became a global advocate for human rights. The discussion covers her early life, the impact of the ISIS invasion on her community, her escape from captivity, and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the plight of Yazidi women and girls. The hosts reflect on the importance of empathy, advocacy, and the need to put humanity first in the face of adversity.

    Takeaways

    Nadia Murad's story is one of resilience and strength.

    The Yazidi community has faced centuries of persecution.

    The ISIS invasion in 2014 led to a calculated genocide against the Yazidis.

    Nadia's escape from captivity was a pivotal moment in her life.

    Advocacy for survivors of sexual violence is crucial for healing.

    Nadia's work emphasizes the importance of justice and accountability.

    Empowering women is essential for rebuilding communities.

    The role of the international community in supporting survivors is vital.

    Nadia's optimism serves as a beacon of hope for many.

    The need for kindness and humanity in times of crisis is paramount.

    Chapters

    01:04 Transitioning to Serious Topics

    04:06 Introducing Nadia Murad and Her Background

    06:56 Understanding the Yazidi Community

    09:11 The Invasion of ISIS and Its Impact

    12:07 Nadia's Captivity and the Horrors Faced

    14:52 The Aftermath and Nadia's Resilience

    17:28 The Awakening of Defiance

    20:54 The Journey to Freedom

    21:43 Finding a Voice in Advocacy

    24:37 Recognition and Impact

    27:06 Building a Better Future

    30:45 The Murad Code and Survivor Advocacy

    32:14 A Message of Hope and Humanity

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    39 mins
  • 48. She Changed History 2025 | 3 women changing history today!
    Dec 23 2025



    In this episode, the hosts share preparations for the Christmas season before delving into the inspiring stories of three remarkable women.

    First is Ms Sanae Takaichi the first female Prime Minister of Japan, known for her multifaceted personality and groundbreaking achievements.

    Next is Alison Westwood from rural Wales, who launched a successful initiative to divert surplus food from landfills, creating community pantries that support thousands of households.

    Lastly, the episode highlights 14-year-old Sheyna Patel from Florida, who designed a hydrogel capable of removing 93% of microplastics from water, potentially revolutionizing marine ecosystems. These stories emphasize that remarkable change can come from individuals of any age and background, driven by a commitment to benefit communities and the environment.

    Sources:

    https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/21/who-is-sanae-takaichi-japans-iron-lady-and-first-female-prime-minister

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crkj5e73xkmo


    https://baobab-bach.org/about-us/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM-2_9mWHTY


    https://www.globalsociety.earth/post/young-scientist-s-hydrogel-breakthrough-offers-hope-against-microplastic-pollution

    https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/everything-you-should-know-about-microplastics

    https://youngscientistlab.com/annual-challenge/finalists-mentors-judges/finalists/sheyna-patel-2025-finalist


    00:00 Getting Ready for Christmas
    00:59 Holiday Preparations and Traditions
    02:20 Creative Christmas Hacks
    03:53 Inspirational Women of 2025
    05:46 Spotlight on San Aka Chi
    11:46 Allison Westwood's Impact in Rural Wales
    15:21 Alison's Pilot Program: A Clever Strategy
    16:07 Community Impact: Affordable Food Initiative
    17:48 Scaling Success: From Pilot to Formalized Program
    18:30 The Baobab Vision: More Than Just Food
    22:32 Shayna Patel: A Young Innovator
    24:13 The Hydrogel Breakthrough: Tackling Microplastics
    29:34 Future Aspirations: Shayna's Vision
    31:19 Conclusion: Empowering Communities and Individuals

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    34 mins
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